Carter Ashton Receives 2 Weekly Awards

The American Hockey League announced today that Norfolk Admirals right wing Carter Ashton was named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Oct. 9, 2011. Ashton scored three goals and recorded an assist in two games to help Norfolk to a pair of victories.

The AHL stole our thunder as we at Bolt Prospects were set to name him our Prospect of the Week today. Yes, we're putting ourselves in the same category as the AHL Player of the Week. It's our site.

As the Admirals reported, Ashton earned First Star honors on Friday night as he scored Norfolkâ€™s first goal of the new season at 6:37 of the first period, then potted the game-winner 1:55 into overtime as the Admirals rallied past Charlotte, 6-5. In Saturdayâ€™s rematch, Ashton opened the scoring again and then assisted on the game-winning goal in the third period as Norfolk beat the Checkers, 4-3.

In recognition of his AHL achievement, Ashton will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Admirals home game.

In recognition of his Bolt Prospects achievement, Ashton will receive his name on a computer screen. We're sure he's thrilled.

A 20-year-old native of Winnipeg, Man., Ashton was a first-round draft pick (29th overall) by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2009. He made his pro debut with Norfolk late in the 2009-10 season, recording one goal in 11 games, and also appeared in two Calder Cup Playoff games in 2011. Ashton played his junior hockey in the WHL, tallying 33 goals and 38 assists for 71 points in 62 games between Regina and Tri-City last season.

According to the Admirals, Ashton becomes the sixth Norfolk player to be named the AHL Player of the Week and the first since Johan Harju in November 2010.